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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This easy and decadent recipe transforms classic French toast into a gourmet breakfast treat. With rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream, and a crisp caramelized sugar topping, it’s perfect for special occasions or weekend brunch. Prepare it the night before, bake it in the morning, and enjoy with fresh berries and whipped cream. A delicious way to start your day!

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of French bread (about 12-14 ounces), cut into 1-inch thick slices

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup brown sugar, for topping

Optional: Fresh berries and whipped cream for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. You may want to overlap the pieces slightly.

    Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

      Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are thoroughly soaked. Gently press the bread down to ensure the custard is absorbed.

        Cover and Refrigerate: Once the bread is well-coated, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to meld.

          Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

            Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

              Caramelize the Top: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the french toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until you achieve a crisp, hard shell (about 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, you can place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

                Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 8 servings